Your "thinking brain" (the cortex) can sometimes "scare" the amygdala with "what-if" thoughts. Identifying these triggers and replacing them with more balanced alternatives helps break the anxiety loop.
Use "bottom-up" strategies like progressive muscle relaxation or holding something cold (like a splash of cold water on the face) to shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight. 3. Rewiring the Brain Over Time Your "thinking brain" (the cortex) can sometimes "scare"
When you feel a "hijack" coming on, these tools can send a "stand down" signal to the amygdala: Use this time to focus on something neutral or pleasant
Here are several key brain-based strategies to help quiet an anxious mind: Your "thinking brain" (the cortex) can sometimes "scare"
The amygdala is the brain's "alarm system" that triggers fight-or-flight responses.
It takes about six seconds for the chemicals released during an amygdala hijack to begin dissipating. Use this time to focus on something neutral or pleasant.